Israel seeks US 'compensation' after Saudi F-35 deal: report

Highlights:

• Washington approves possible $24.3bn Saudi package
• Saudi Arabia could receive 48 F-35 jets
• Tel Aviv seeks systems previously denied
• First Saudi F-35 deliveries could take five years

Israel is preparing to seek additional advanced US defence capabilities after Washington approved a possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, Israeli media outlet Walla reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The reported request comes after the US State Department approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35A aircraft and associated equipment to Saudi Arabia, subject to congressional approval. If completed, the deal would make Saudi Arabia the first Arab country to operate the stealth fighter.

According to Walla, Israeli officials intend to seek weapons systems that the Trump administration had previously declined to approve, seeking to preserve Israel's qualitative military edge in the region.

Advanced systems reportedly sought

The reported Israeli requests go beyond additional fighter aircraft.

Israeli officials are expected to seek participation in the development and production of classified weapons systems, including space-based capabilities and US involvement in developing interceptors for Israel's proposed Arrow 4 and Arrow 5 missile-defence systems, according to Walla.

The reported requests could also include advanced bunker-busting weapons designed to penetrate deeply buried targets, autonomous strike systems and coordinated networks of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Israel says F-35 deal would not erase its edge

Walla reported that Israel would continue to maintain what it regards as an operational advantage even if Saudi Arabia acquires the F-35.

That advantage would stem from the Israeli Air Force's operational experience with the aircraft and its integration of Israeli-developed systems into its F-35 fleet, known locally as the Adir. Israel also operates a dedicated F-35 test aircraft for developing additional capabilities, according to the report.

An Israeli defence official also argued that the country's advantage depends not only on the aircraft itself but on the personnel operating it.

First Saudi deliveries still years away

Even if the proposed deal is finalised soon, Saudi Arabia would reportedly have to wait about five years for its first F-35 deliveries.

The US State Department has said the proposed sale would not alter the military balance in the region and would support Washington's security and foreign-policy objectives in the Gulf.